Robben Ford Discussion

rainmkr63 · Posted: Wed Aug 24, 2005 8:43 am Post subject: Ray Charles

I have been on a Ray Charles kick lately. This summer I went on a big trip to NC, on this trip I read his Biography. I had seen the movie "Ray" and wanted to know more, it’s a good book and yes I do know how to read.

I got a best of CD and started wearing it out playing along with it. Most of it is not overly complicated blues, but the horn arrangements, his time, and of cores his voice are totally cool.

I also got Live in Brazil 1963 DVD, what a great concert, this was his prime. It is raw, very real, no smooth MTV edits, good camera angles and sound. His timing and voice lines blow me away, he played the sax and clarinet, and you can hear horn lines in his vocal phrasing.

Has anyone around here gotten into him or liked the movie?

Rob

JackD · Posted: Fri Aug 26, 2005 6:59 pm Post subject:

Yes, I've recently (last couple of months) got into Ray in a bigger way. I have not yet seen the movie or read the biography--but I plan to. I recently picked up a 2 CD "best of" box set. I just love it. Especially the early stuff. His feel, phrasing and soul just kill me. It's great when an artist touches your heart. For me, there's not that many that do, but Ray is one of them. I was actually planning on studying some of his songs to learn some of his phrasing and feel and tanslate it to guitar--it should be fun!

fingerlakes · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 2:40 am Post subject:

It has become a tradition that we play Ray's version of " America " at a July 4 family get together at my home. The beauty of this still seems to bring a tear to everyone's eye ( moreso later in the evening when most folks have a pretty good load on ). 2 of my uncles were not sure if it was the beautiful rendition of the song that provoked the tears, or the memories of what being an American used to feel like before the days of GWB.

Leftbender · Posted: Sat Aug 27, 2005 12:32 pm Post subject:

I believe Ray is a source of inspiration for a lot of our musicians. He made a major contribution to american music. I specially like his early work. He did a lot of blues songs during his career. I specially like "Ray's Blues". Recently I have bought the 7-DVD documentary of the Blues by Martin Scorsese. The 7th documentary is about piano blues and is produced by Clint Eastwood. In this film there is a big topic about Ray. Very nice stuff.
_________________
"Don't play what's there, play what's not there" Miles Davis

edpesco · Posted: Sun Aug 28, 2005 12:10 pm Post subject:

rainmkr63 · Posted: Mon Aug 29, 2005 8:54 am Post subject:

That is so cool, his stuff can be so moving. I have run across that Scorsese thing many times, may be I should get it. I want to get Ray's big box set, I am not into putting out $65 right now.

That 1963 DVD from Brazil is great, the second set is not great quality but it does not matter, the playing is so good. The first set is tight as a drum, immaculate. I think in-between sets they tuned up there brains a bit, he is wasted, but totally fantastic musically.

his voice has this cosmic familiar tone, like he is singing for everyone.

Thanks
Rob